Liverpool are set to decide whether to recall young winger Ryan Kent from his loan at Freiburg as Leeds are among a host of interested Championship clubs, according to the Echo.
The Merseyside news outlet claim that Liverpool are considering cutting the 21-year-old’s loan short when he returns to England for Christmas this week.
The Echo report that Jurgen Klopp was planning to keep him on Merseyside this season, and the Reds have been disappointed by his lack of minutes since he joined the German side.
It is said that Leeds are among several interested Championship clubs, with Derby and Middlesbrough also in the chase, and Kent has experience in the division as a regular for Barnsley last season.
If he is recalled, then the Echo claim that the most likely outcome would be another loan to a club that can guarantee Kent regular first-team action.
Kent has appeared in just six of Freiburg’s 17 Bundesliga matches this term, and has failed to score or record an assist in those matches.
Good move for Leeds?
Kent showed great maturity by asking for his move to Germany over staying on Merseyside, most likely to play for the club’s U-23 side. While that has not paid off as yet, the experience will have done him the world of good.
If he is recalled, then Leeds would do well to make a move for him.
The 21-year-old made 44 appearances for Barnsley last year, and made more of an impact than his three goals and three assists would suggest.
Kent would be a solid addition to a squad that could do with some strengthening in January, and a loan deal would be a perfect solution for both clubs.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
At this point there are too many variables for anyone to say where Kent will end up for the second half of the season.
Firstly, Liverpool must decide whether to recall Kent. With the youngster’s lack of minutes so far, that would look likely.
Then the Reds will have to assess where they think is best for him to continue his development.
Leeds would be a good option, although the good form of the Whites attack means that Kent may find more minutes elsewhere.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10